| Latest news on the application |
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| The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) website says; |
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| “We received the application on Friday 15 November 2024.
The application documents will be published shortly.
You cannot make comments on the application yet. You will be able to register to have your say if the application is accepted. We will let you know when you can register to have your say. Read more about the application process in our guidance.
This project is at the acceptance stage. The decision whether to accept the application for examination will be made by 13 December 2024.” |
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| Cultural and historical associations with the landscape |
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| We all know that there is much architectural heritage in the BWSF area including Blenheim Palace, Churchill’s Grave, several grade I listed churches and many grade II* and II listed buildings. There are also important archaeological sites and many ancient woodlands and veteran trees. But have you thought about the considerable amount of cultural and historical significance and value of the landscape associated with area? |
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| We have considered this and so have the experts we have engaged (thanks to your generous donations). They advise that these cultural associations are also highly relevant whether it is in art, poetry, artefacts, literature or any other source where there is a depiction or mention of something local to the area. One clear example is Hilaire Belloc’s lovely poem about the Evenlode Valley. A less obvious one might be some mention of a landmark in a Colin Dexter Morse novel! |
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| Of course, we already have a wonderful collection demonstrating the value of the landscape in Art by all those who contributed to the Forever Fields exhibition last year and that archive is preserved (more news of that soon). |
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| So, as a little light relief while we wait for the Developer’s DCO application to be published, we have a challenge for you. Please put your thinking caps on and start your research!
Look for sources where local landmarks, buildings, rivers, woodlands or views in the area affected by Botley West are referenced – in art, film, poetry, literature, historical guides (not modern travel guides or the limitless Oxford city references) |
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| Some useful sources include: Pevsner’s Architectural Guides to the buildings of England, Sir John Betjeman’s Guide to English Parish Churches, the Ashmolean. |
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| Please send your findings to our usual e-Mail address: contact@stopbotleywest.com |
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| We are heartened by the recent boost to our fundraising effort and are happy to announce that we have now reached £100,000! We believe this clearly shows the strength of feeling against the Botley West Solar Farm and the damage it will cause to the area. We hope to continue in this trajectory to reach our goal of £150,000, so if you’re able, please click the donate button to contribute towards this cause. |
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| Whilst we are considering our cultural heritage, of course, we all know that the most significant Heritage asset in the area is Blenheim Palace – well represented in Art and Literature but, sadly, not engaged in pointing out its importance – cultural or otherwise. Did you know that it costs between £200 and £400 for a family of 4 to visit some or all of their Christmas attractions? If you are willing, why not give that a miss this year and donate what you’ve saved to our fighting fund? |
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| As always, we sincerely appreciate the support both locally and further afield. As a group of volunteers, we continue to work tirelessly to fight against the proposed Botley West Solar Farm, to protect our homes and local area in a multitude of ways. |
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| The Stop Botley West Campaign is entirely dependent on your generosity, both in time and donations. If you are able to contribute, please do give whatever you can – click the link below and scroll down to the donate section.
Together, we will Stop Botley West. Thank you. |
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